A manifesto for everyday peacemaking

September 24, 20180 comment

Shalom Sistas: Living wholeheartedly in a brokenhearted world
Osheta Moore
Herald Press

Review by Stephanie Christianson

What is the subject?

In Shalom Sistas, Osheta Moore reflects on the practices, great and small, of everyday peacemaking. Whether tackling pervasive issues like racism or personal issues like body image, Moore asks us to walk with her as she discerns how to live as a peacemaking follower of Jesus in our chaotic and violent world.

Who is the author?

Osheta Moore is writer, podcaster, mother, and peacemaker based in Los Angeles.

Why this book?

I enjoyed how Moore weaved many styles and perspectives throughout her story of everyday peacemaking. There are humorous encounters, stories of grave injustice, reflections on parenthood, and theological truths. In this way, the book is captivating and relevant.

The MB Confession of Faith states that “Believers seek to be agents of reconciliation in all relationships, to practice love of enemies as taught by Christ, and to be peacemakers in all situations” (Article 12). Moore offers us practical ways of how to embody this deep conviction. For Moore, peacemaking is not confined to the halls of the academy or to times of crisis, but permeates our thoughts and actions each day as followers of Jesus.

This is a good vision of peacemaking for our MB family.

Key insight

Stephanie and her Shalom Sista, Barb

Moore presents a holistic approach to peacemaking, as outlined in the four sections of her book:Shalom with God,Shalom within Ourselves,Shalom in our Relationships, andShalom in our World.

So often, we confine peacemaking to “big” issues, like war and global conflict. Moore helps us to see that peacemaking, in the pattern of Jesus, is a practice that occurs in the grind of daily life.

Who should read it?

This is a book for those who want to live in God’s shalom in the challenges and joys of everyday life. As Moore presents a “shalom manifesto,” we will all be challenged by her desire to follow Jesus our peacemaker.

In particular, mothers may resonate with many of Moore’s anecdotes and experiences.

Favourite quotes

“As the world superpower of the day, Rome embodied everything that was wrong with the world. And Jesus had to wreck shop in order to set up the shalom of the kingdom of God on earth.”